Lacazette free to face Rennes

Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has been cleared to play in the second leg of the Europa League last-16 tie against Rennes.

The French forward had been punished by UEFA after being shown a straight red card in the February 14 last-32 first leg loss away against BATE Borisov.

After having a second-half equaliser correctly ruled out for offside, Lacazette was sent off for swinging an elbow in frustration towards Aleksandar Filipovic with five minutes remaining.

Governing body UEFA confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Arsenal's appeal "has partially been upheld", with a reduced two-match European sanction now deemed to have been served.

A statement read: "Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body's decision of 21 February 2019 is amended as follows: to suspend the Arsenal FC player Alexandre Lacazette for two (2) UEFA competition matches for which he would be otherwise eligible for serious rough play."

Lacazette had already been forced to sit out the second leg of the tie against BATE Borisov at the Emirates Stadium as well as the opening match of the last 16 fixture against Rennes.

Arsenal lost 3-1 away in the first leg and face a battle to overturn the deficit in their bid to reach the Europa League quarter-finals.

The Gunners will be without defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos through suspension following his dismissal for two cautions at Roazhon Park.

This article originated on sportinastorm.com

Michael Holland is a reporter with over two decades of journalism experience. A Bolton fan, Michael often writes football articles, as well as having a strong knowledge of golf, cricket and Australian sports.

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